Planning
- Accepts reservations
oChef » Pike Place – Seattle
Pike Place - Seattle
Photo from Pike Place
Pike Place at a glance
Seattle Belltown
- 🥡 Chinese Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 106 of the guests
#794 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#49 Chinese Restaurant out of 53 in Seattle
Average
5.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
603
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Water views
- Friendly service
- Tasty dishes
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Food inconsistency
- Hidden charges
The restaurant Pike Place Chinese Cuisine, a Chinese restaurant located in Seattle’s vibrant Belltown neighborhood, offers a cozy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed meal. You’ll find a welcoming spot to enjoy delicious food, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dining experience.
It’s also a great choice if you’re dining with kids, ensuring a pleasant visit for the whole family.
Overview: Introducting Pike Place
Pike Place offers a mixed experience, often praised for its appealing view and generally friendly staff who provide quick service. Many find the Chinese food to be quite tasty, making it a convenient stop for a meal.
However, some visitors find the establishment to be overpriced, with concerns about additional costs and a mandatory service charge. There are also instances where the food has been described as bland or inconsistent, which can detract from the dining experience.
Average
5.1
out of 10
603
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
303
negative
47
neutral
253
positive
Pike Place currently holds an overall score of 5.1, placing it in the average category, with a Customer Satisfaction of 42%, indicating a mixed reception from its patrons. This assessment is drawn from over 600 pieces of feedback, reflecting a broad range of dining experiences.
Digging deeper, the Ambience truly shines with a good score of (7.5), often highlighted for its pleasant setting. However, the Food (5.7) and Service (5.3) are perceived as average, while Value receives a poor score of (2.4), suggesting that many feel the pricing doesn’t align with the overall offering.
What people like
- Great water views
- Friendly, quick service
- Delicious Chinese dishes
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Inconsistent food quality
- Mandatory service charges
Pike Place presents a somewhat divided experience, reflected in its Recommendation Score of 5.1. While it offers a pleasant setting and generally amiable service, the overall value proposition and food consistency are areas of concern.
If you prioritize a nice view and quick, friendly interactions, it might be worth a visit. However, be mindful of the pricing and potential for varied food quality, as it may not meet expectations for those seeking exceptional culinary value.
Similar Restaurants in Seattle
- Chinese Restaurant
9.2
out of 10
out of 10
81
95.1%
- $$
- Crown Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.7
out of 10
out of 10
623
88.6%
- $$
- Broadview
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.5
out of 10
out of 10
486
89.5%
- $$
- Capitol Hill
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.2
out of 10
out of 10
277
83.8%
- $$
- Georgetown
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.2
out of 10
out of 10
391
81.6%
- $$
- Greenwood
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Chinese Restaurant
8.1
out of 10
out of 10
113
80.5%
- $$
- Chinatown
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Pike Place
Food (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
The food here offers a bit of a mixed experience, with many customers enjoying the offerings. Positive feedback often highlighted delicious and freshly made dishes, including specific mentions of nut allergy friendly buns and various dim sum options, often described as authentic Chinese comfort food. With 149 positive observations out of 313 total, there's a good foundation of culinary enjoyment.
However, the overall food experience is somewhat average, reflected in a score of 5.7 and customer satisfaction at 47.6%, indicating a mixed reception. Many of the 126 negative comments pointed to issues like small portions, bland flavor, and food being overpriced, with some noting a general poor quality.
Food
313
Reviews
47%
Satisfaction
126
negative
38
neutral
149
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Nut allergy friendly buns
- Delicious dim sum
- Freshly made food
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Bland flavor
- Overpriced food
Often praised
- foodI also really enjoyed the seafood pineapple fried rice. The food comes out quickly, and the service is friendly. It's a great option if you are looking for a good and quick bite to eat.
- FoodFood:5
- fried ricefried rice with beef or tofu is delicious and authentic
- good foodSuch good food
- Chinese comfort foodThey automatically include a 15% tip, so consider that before tipping again unless your experience was truly exceptional. If you're looking for a place to sit and enjoy warm, amazing Chinese comfort food by the sea, especially within a bustling Seattle market, this is the spot for you.
- Chinese foodThe Chinese food here is of good quality.
- dishesEnjoyed all the different dishes we had.
- hot and sour souphot and sour soup was delicious
- orange chickenThe food was very delicious and of high quality. I particularly enjoyed the delicious crab ragoons and orange chicken. The service was also excellent; the staff were so nice.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was very positive. I found the food to be tasty with reasonably sized portions. I particularly enjoyed the house chow mein and the general tso chicken.
Frequently criticized
- foodWhile exploring the shops in the lower levels of the market, I stopped by on a whim to get takeout. Unfortunately, the food was downright disappointing. I don't think I've ever had Chinese food this bland before.
- food qualityMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. The food quality has gone down and the prices went up since my last visit in 2020. However, the view is still nice and the service was fast.
- riceMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The main dishes do not include rice, and there were no water options available, only beverages for sale. Despite a service charge being automatically added, the final receipt still requested a tip.
- portionsMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The food was extremely overpriced for what it was, being both oily and served in small portions. To add to the frustration, we had to pay for our own water, and there was an automatic gratuity added to the bill.
- portion sizesBe aware of this! The prices are high for the portion sizes. I do not recommend visiting this place; there are many other good restaurants out there.
- waterMy experience at this restaurant was pretty horrible. We were charged $3 for water and the food was nasty, not at all what we expected in terms of authenticity. They also charged an extra $3-4 for rice, and I couldn't keep the itemized receipt to confirm.
- Chinese foodUnfortunately, the food was downright disappointing. I don't think I've ever had Chinese food this bland before. Even after mixing in the chili oil that came on the side, I couldn't taste it; it just made the noodles more oily.
- broccolibroccoli on the side was ran through some lukewarm water and definitely not cooked all the way through
- chow meinHowever. The chow mein was horrible and dry though. Also, you all need to check to the bill, as they add an additional 15% charge to the bill (not sure WHY that is the case though).
- food poisoningMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. I got violently ill with food poisoning after eating here. It was the only thing the people in my party and I ate, so I am 100% sure it was from this location.
If you're looking for specific fresh items like dim sum or nut allergy-friendly buns, you might find some tasty options. However, be prepared for potentially small portions and prices that some find steep for the quality, as the overall food experience is quite mixed.
Service (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
When it comes to service, youll find some real gems here! Many customers rave about the friendly service from the staff and servers, often noting they took great care of them. With 43 positive remarks, it seems many have enjoyed a pleasant experience, sometimes even getting great recommendations and quick attention.
However, the experience isnt always smooth sailing, leading to an average score of 5.3 and a mixed customer satisfaction of 49.4%. There are 43 negative comments highlighting issues like frustrating waiting time, instances of rude service, and unexpected service tip charges. Some also found the no-tap-water policy a significant drawback, making the overall experience a bit of a gamble.
Service
87
Reviews
49%
Satisfaction
43
negative
1
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Helpful recommendations
- Attentive servers
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Rude staff
- Hidden service fees
Often praised
- serviceI also really enjoyed the seafood pineapple fried rice. The food comes out quickly, and the service is friendly. It's a great option if you are looking for a good and quick bite to eat.
- staffWe tried this place while walking around, like tourists do, and was impressed with the cute little food place, with a great view. Trying to stay positive here, as the staff were great, friendly and fast. The food was ample and freshly made.
- ServiceService:5
- serverThe server was very nice
- waitressthe waitress came right over and brought the tea ASAP!
- Chinese staffI didn't expect to be eating Chinese food here, but the food was good and the view was a sea view. The Chinese staff were also very friendly. The fried rice was good, and all the other dishes were also good.
- WaitressWaitress was really nice
- everyoneeveryone is friendly here
- experienceI have never had a bad experience here.
- extra precautions with CovidThey also took extra precautions with Covid
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to the worst service. I ordered chicken chow mein, but after waiting for 25 minutes, I still hadn't received my food.
- staffstaff was chatting away at full volume, very annoying
- tap waterMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a frustrating policy regarding water. You can’t get tap water here; they insist on selling bottled water, despite having pitchers of water visible in the kitchen. While the food was acceptable, the overall impression was that this place is definitely a tourist upsell.
- waitressThe lady who was our waitress was not very welcoming or kind
- customer serviceReally terrible customer service
- orderForgot my order and told me they forgot to take it out
- waiting timeafter 25 minutes didn't receive any food
- apologiesWhile the staff initially tried to explain it away, they eventually admitted it was a problem with the bowl. They replaced the soup, but there were no apologies or compensation offered. To make matters worse, the tips were already included in the bill without any prior notification, which felt like a hidden charge.
- argue and liewant to argue and lie
- bottled waterthey only sell bottled water
So, is the service worth it? Its a bit of a toss-up! If you catch them on a good day, youll likely enjoy friendly and attentive staff.
But be prepared for potential long waits or unexpected charges, which might make you think twice if you're looking for consistently smooth service.
Ambience (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 39% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark! With a 7.5 score and a 79.1% customer satisfaction rate, it's clear many find the vibe here quite good. Guests frequently rave about the amazing view, atmosphere, and often call it a hidden gem with an intimate setting, based on 53 positive remarks out of 67 total.
However, not everything is perfect. A few customers, 10 to be exact, pointed out some downsides. Concerns included cramped seating, general uncleanliness, and even mentions of dirty dishes and flies.
So, while the overall feel is positive, there are definitely areas that could use a little sprucing up.
Ambience
67
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
53
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Offers amazing views
- Has great atmosphere
- Feels like hidden gem
What people don't like
- Seating is cramped
- Uncleanliness noted
- Flies were present
Often praised
- viewThe view and the service was great.
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the staff was super nice and the atmosphere provided a good place to sit and relax from the hectic environment, the food itself was just okay. I felt the food was pretty mid, and I could get similar food at a regular Chinese restaurant.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- locationThe portion size was fine, but to not have 鑊氣 or any meaningful amount of flavor for the prices this place charges (like $10 for a moon cake?) is no fun at all. This is a cute location and the people are nice, so I want to like this place, but I just can't.
- viewsgood views of the water
- water viewbest water view of any Chinese restaurant
- Seattle water viewThis Chinese restaurant, located in the heart of Pike Market, offers a good view of the Seattle water. However, the experience was largely negative.
- classic vibeintimate setting with a classic vibe
- cute little food placeimpressed with the cute little food place
- fabulous viewMy experience at this restaurant was that of a great hole in the wall joint with a fabulous view. The service was friendly and the food was good.
Frequently criticized
- Dine In areaThe Dine In area is climate controlled to around 65 °F
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- atmosphereThe food was great and the service was good. While the atmosphere was a little uncomfortable, overall it was a really good experience.
- cleanlinessSeating is very cramped and unclean
- crampedcould be considered cramped to some
- dirty dishesthey brought us dirty dishes to eat with
- establishment nameestablishment seems to intentionally not show their name
- familiesNot good for families
- fliespresence of flies
- seatingSeating is very cramped and unclean
If youre looking for a place with a great view and a charming atmosphere, this restaurant is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared that seating might be a bit snug, and you might encounter some minor cleanliness issues. Its a good choice for the overall vibe, but manage your expectations on comfort.
Value (2.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 65% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few diners found things to appreciate, with 8 positive remarks highlighting a good value and reasonably priced items, especially considering the price tag for certain meals. Some even felt the prices were good for the area, suggesting that for specific offerings, the cost felt justified. However, the overall sentiment paints a starkly different picture, with a staggering 124 negative comments.
The restaurants value received a poor 2.4 score, and customer satisfaction sits at a very low 5.9%. Many felt items were pricey and expensive, often citing service fee and being charged for everything as major concerns, leading to a feeling of being in a tourist trap'.
Value
136
Reviews
5%
Satisfaction
124
negative
4
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable item prices
- Good area value
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Hidden charges
- Tourist trap
Often praised
- pricesprices for the food here are also tourists-local friendly
- good for the areaYou can have two for a full meal, one for a snack, or share one for a quick bite. While they are pricey compared to other places, they are considered good for the area.
- items avg. $3 eachthose items avg. $3 each
- picsscroll through their pics you'll see those items avg. $3 each
- price10 dollars will make you full
- price tagpleased with the $60 price tag
- valuevalue is good
Frequently criticized
- priceWe were looking for something to eat around Pike Place later in the evening, and many restaurants were closed, so we ended up here. The experience was very overpriced, and the food was nothing crazy, though the portions were good. We tried the vegetable chow mein and the wonton soup, and both were just okay.
- waterMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to several issues. The water was charged at $3. When I asked for one shrimp dumpling, I was given four and charged $18.
- pricesEven after mixing in the chili oil that came on the side, I couldn't taste it; it just made the noodles more oily. The portion size was fine, but to not have 鑊氣 or any meaningful amount of flavor for the prices this place charges (like $10 for a moon cake?) is no fun at all. This is a cute location and the people are nice, so I want to like this place, but I just can't.
- ricerice was not included with our entrees and was a costly alacarte item
- service chargeThere’s a mandatory 15% service charge included.
- service feea 15% service fee automatically added to your bill
- tipThe main dishes do not include rice, and there were no water options available, only beverages for sale. Despite a service charge being automatically added, the final receipt still requested a tip. Be aware of this!
- expensiveIt’s very expensive for what you get
- automatic gratuity15% automatic gratuity should be more clearly communicated
- billBEFORE THE TIP THE BILL WAS $96 … yup imagine what else I can get for $96.
If you're highly sensitive to pricing and hidden fees, this spot might be a miss. While some find specific items reasonably priced, the overwhelming feedback points to an expensive experience with many unexpected charges, making it hard to recommend for overall value.
How are the prices at Pike Place?
You’re looking at roughly 28 per person – reported by 106 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Chinese Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend right around this $21–$30 range, indicating a pretty consistent pricing experience rather than a wide mix of super cheap and premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 106 reviews.
Comparing the value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in Seattle.
Considering it’s a Chinese restaurant in Seattle, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It hits that comfortable mid-range spot, offering good value for a satisfying meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pike Place
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
5
Decent window, but skip sitting down
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. The window view was decent, but I wouldn't recommend sitting down. If you ask for water, they'll bring you bottles that cost over $3.
The portions were small, and while the food was cooked well, it was way overpriced for the size and standard fare. The hombow was good, so I'd suggest sticking to ordering from the window.
- window view7
- food7
- hombow8
- bottles2
- portions3
- overpriced2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Disappointing Experience at Pike Place
This Chinese restaurant, located in the heart of Pike Market, offers a good view of the Seattle water. However, the experience was largely negative. Each dish we ordered was a small portion but cost around $21-22 USD.
The chow mein was dry and bland, and the fried rice was oily. To make matters worse, they do not provide service water, instead offering tea for a fee. A significant issue was the automatic 15% gratuity fee added to the bill without prior notification, which is separate from the tip.
I would advise dining elsewhere, as the majority of reviews being negative is telling.
- Seattle water view7
- small portion2
- chow mein2
- fried rice3
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
2
Overpriced and Deceptive Practices
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to several issues. The water was charged at $3. When I asked for one shrimp dumpling, I was given four and charged $18.
Additionally, there was an involuntary 15% tip added to the bill. I would not recommend this place.
- water2
- shrimp dumpling2
- involuntary tips1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Average Food, Hidden Service Fee
My experience at this restaurant was average. The food was just okay, and I was surprised by a 15% service fee that wasn't clearly communicated. This was my first and last visit.
- food5
- service fee2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
Overpriced with a View
We were looking for something to eat around Pike Place later in the evening, and many restaurants were closed, so we ended up here. The experience was very overpriced, and the food was nothing crazy, though the portions were good. We tried the vegetable chow mein and the wonton soup, and both were just okay.
A big plus was the beautiful view of the water.
- food5
- portions7
- vegetable chow mein5
- price2
What Pike Place offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Pike Place Chinese Cuisine?
At Pike Place Chinese Cuisine, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including lunch, dinner, and dessert. The restaurant also provides comfortable table service for your meal, making it a great spot for any time of day.
Does Pike Place Chinese Cuisine offer vegetarian options or quick meal choices?
Yes, Pike Place Chinese Cuisine caters to diverse tastes with excellent vegetarian options available on the menu. If you’re in a hurry, you’ll also find convenient quick bites, alongside alcohol, coffee, and beer.
How does Pike Place generally rate?
Pike Place holds an overall score of 5.1, indicating an average experience. While Ambience scores well (7.5), Food (5.7) and Service (5.3) are average, and Value is notably low (2.4).
What are the standout features of Pike Place?
Many visitors appreciate the stunning views and the generally friendly staff. The Chinese dishes are often described as tasty and served quickly, making it a pleasant spot for a quick bite.
What are common concerns at Pike Place?
Customers frequently mention that the restaurant is overpriced, especially concerning additional charges for rice or water. There are also reports of inconsistent food quality and mandatory service charges that can affect the overall value perception.